Instructions / Assembly

ManualsBrandsNesco ManualsSmall Kitchen AppliancesJerky Xpress Food Dehydrator

Dehydrator Use and Care __________

Before using your dehydrator for the first time, wash the trays and top lid in

warm soapy water or in the dishwasher on the top rack. Caution: Do not put

the blower in water or in the dishwasher. Wipe the blower with a damp

cloth.

• Set the base tray on a sturdy countertop or table, away from sinks or any

source of water.

• Stack additional trays on the base tray. Your dehydrator requires a

minimum of 5 trays to operate properly, the base tray is included as one of

your 5 trays. (You may expand your dehydrator to 7 total trays with the use

of Add-A-Tray accessories)

• Place the top cover on the top tray, insert the blower into the trays and

rotate to lock in place

• Plug the cord into an electrical outlet, switch power to ON and you’re ready

to dehydrate!

Trays and Top Cover — Your dehydrator trays and top lid are easy to clean.

Simply soak the trays in warm water with a mild detergent for several

minutes. A soft bristle brush will loosen food particles that resist softening

by soaking. Do not clean trays with any metal objects or scouring pads

as they tend to damage the surface of the trays. Trays and top lid can be

washed on the top rack of your dishwasher. Remove before beginning

drying cycle of your dishwasher.

Blower — It is important that the air vents on the blower remain clean and

unobstructed. UNPLUG BLOWER BEFORE CLEANING. Use a damp

cloth or towel to remove dried food particles from blower. Do not use

scouring pads, abrasive cleaners or sharp utensils. Avoid dripping any liquid

into electrical parts. Do not operate blower alone, or use in any capacity other

than the intended use. DO NOT OPERATE NEAR OR IMMERSE

BLOWER IN WATER OR OTHER LIQUID.

Precautions

When drying meat and dairy products, blot frequently with a paper towel to

absorb excess fat.

Follow these safety rules when dehydrating foods:

• Wash hands thoroughly prior to handling food.

• Clean all utensils and containers with a mild solution of detergent, bleach

and water before using.

• Make sure all counter surfaces and cutting boards are thoroughly cleaned.

• Keep foods in the refrigerator before preparing for drying. Store dried foods

in the refrigerator.

• After opening sealed containers of dried food, use food as soon as possible.

• Store unused portions of dried food, tightly sealed, in the refrigerator to

maintain freshness and quality.

Summary of content (7 pages)

PAGE 1
Dehydrator Use and Care __________ Before using your dehydrator for the first time, wash the trays and top lid in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher on the top rack. Caution: Do not put the blower in water or in the dishwasher. Wipe the blower with a damp cloth. • Set the base tray on a sturdy countertop or table, away from sinks or any source of water. • Stack additional trays on the base tray.
PAGE 2
• Do not dehydrate foods that have been prepared with or marinated in alcohol. • Trays are only intended to be used with your NESCO® / American Harvest® Food Dehydrator. Do not use the trays either in a conventional oven or with any other appliance. Service Should you experience any problems other that routine cleaning, please call Customer Satisfaction at Nesco American Harvest, 1-800-288-4545. General Drying Guidelines _________ There are no absolutes and quite a few variables in food dehydration.
PAGE 3
Drying Jerky _____________________ Jerky is a favorite snack for school, lunch, trail or just about anywhere! It is made by seasoning raw meat and then drying it without cooking. You won’t have to pay the exorbitant prices for jerky slices or sticks at the grocery or convenience store. Most lean meats will yield about 1 pound of jerky from 2 pounds of fresh meat. Selection Jerky may be made from a variety of different meats.
PAGE 4
Simple steps to fresh delicious jerky Using Nesco®/American Harvest® Spices & Jerky Works™ Kit 1. Blend one seasoning and one cure packet with one lb. extra lean ground beef, game or poultry. For spicier jerky: add 1⁄4 tsp. or more of cayenne pepper. For less spicy jerky: add 1⁄2 lb. extra meat. 2. While holding the silver tab down, pull the white knob all the way out. 3. Unscrew the red ring from the end of the white tube. Place the meat mixture into the tube. 4.
PAGE 5
Storing Your Dried Food ___________ Some pieces may dry in a shorter time than others and should be removed and placed in an airtight container while allowing the rest of the pieces to remain in the dehydrator until sufficiently dry. Package all dried foods promptly to prevent contamination by insects and to prevent stickiness and rehydration caused by humidity. Store dried foods in airtight, moisture-proof containers. Home vacuum packaging devices are ideal for packaging dried foods.
PAGE 6
Labeling All dehydrated foods should be labeled with the name of the product, date dried and quantity or weight. Clear labeling allows you to rotate foods so that you minimize waste and nutrient loss. Storage The storage area should be cool, dry and as dark as possible. The darker and cooler the storage area, the longer the dehydrated foods will last with good quality and nutritive value. For every 18°F (10°C) drop in storage temperature, the shelf life of dehydrated foods increases three to four times.
PAGE 7
Rehydrating Dried Food ___________ Eat dehydrated foods dry or rehydrate for use in recipes. Rehydrate by placing dried foods in a container (with enough water to cover food) and soaking for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Boiling water rehydrates foods more quickly than cold water or water at room temperature. Fruits or vegetables may also be rehydrated in liquids other than water, including fruit juices, cider, vegetable juices, milk, consomme, etc.